Serving 243 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Downtown School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 243 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downtown School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Downtown School's student population of 243 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
243 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Downtown School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downtown School is 0.52, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#289 out of 1233 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
10%
13%
Black
9%
7%
White
67%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
12%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown School's ranking?
Downtown School is ranked #289 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Downtown School often compared to?
Downtown Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Greenwood Elementary School, Howe Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Downtown School?
243 students attend Downtown School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Downtown School students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downtown School?
Downtown School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Downtown School offer ?
Downtown School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Downtown School part of?
Downtown School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Downtown School located?
Downtown School is located in the Downtown Des Moines neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Downtown Des Moines.
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